Named to the All-NBA team 12 times, Hakeem was a cut above the competition.

Named to the All-NBA team 12 times, Hakeem was a cut above the competition.

Photo: Tim Johnson, Associated Press

Named to the All-NBA team 12 times, Hakeem was a cut above the... Photo-6362256.86574 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Hakeem, left, wore goggles for a short period of time during the 1991-92 season.

Hakeem, left, wore goggles for a short period of time during the 1991-92 season.

Photo: Howard Castelberry, Chronicle File

Hakeem, left, wore goggles for a short period of time during the... Photo-6362257.86574 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Hakeem won the Defensive Player of the Year Award twice (1992-93, 93-94) and was named to the All-Defensive team nine times.

Hakeem won the Defensive Player of the Year Award twice (1992-93, 93-94) and was named to the All-Defensive team nine times.

Photo: Chronicle File

Hakeem won the Defensive Player of the Year Award twice (1992-93,... Photo-6362258.86574 - Beaumont Enterprise

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The 1993-94 season turned out to be a Dream season for Hakeem and the Rockets.

The 1993-94 season turned out to be a Dream season for Hakeem and the Rockets.

Photo: Dave Einsel, Chronicle File

The 1993-94 season turned out to be a Dream season for Hakeem and... Photo-6362259.86574 - Beaumont Enterprise

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In 1994, Hakeem and the Rockets captured Houston's imagination and its first major sports championship as they defeated the New York Knicks in seven games. For his efforts, the Dream was named the Finals MVP. He also won the regular season MVP award that season. less

In 1994, Hakeem and the Rockets captured Houston's imagination and its first major sports championship as they defeated the New York Knicks in seven games. For his efforts, the Dream was named the Finals MVP. ... more

The Rockets retired Hakeem's jersey number in November of 2002. Photo-6362287.86574 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Fan favorite to the end: More than just his dominating game endeared Hakeem to Houston fans. The class with which he conducted himself on and off the court was a big factor in his popularity here as well, and that was evident when he had his number retired. Olajuwon got a warm reception for the ceremony, and many fans has signs expressing their gratitude for what he meant to them and the city. less

Fan favorite to the end: More than just his dominating game endeared Hakeem to Houston fans. The class with which he conducted himself on and off the court was a big factor in his popularity here as well, and ... more

Photo: Karen Warren, Chronicle

Fan favorite to the end: More than just his dominating game... Photo-6362288.86574 - Beaumont Enterprise

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In April of 2008, the Rockets unveiled a monument to Hakeem, displaying his famed No. 34 jersey.

In April of 2008, the Rockets unveiled a monument to Hakeem, displaying his famed No. 34 jersey.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Chronicle

In April of 2008, the Rockets unveiled a monument to Hakeem,... Photo-6362289.86574 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Along with Patrick Ewing, left, and Pat Riley, right, Hakeem was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.

Along with Patrick Ewing, left, and Pat Riley, right, Hakeem was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.

Hakeem, left, shakes hands with NBA commissioner David Stern after coming onstage to pay tribute to Stern at the end of the first round on June 27, 2013, in New York. It was Stern's final draft as commissioner as he retired Feb. 1, 2014. less

Hakeem, left, shakes hands with NBA commissioner David Stern after coming onstage to pay tribute to Stern at the end of the first round on June 27, 2013, in New York. It was Stern's final draft as commissioner ... more

Dwight Howard, center, poses for a group photo with, from left, Yao Ming, Ralph Sampson, Hakeem and Elvin Hayes after Howard was introduced as the newest member of the Rockets legacy of great centers on July 13, 2013. less

Dwight Howard, center, poses for a group photo with, from left, Yao Ming, Ralph Sampson, Hakeem and Elvin Hayes after Howard was introduced as the newest member of the Rockets legacy of great centers on July ... more

Hakeem was on hand along with Elvin Hayes and Clyde Drexler as legendary UH basketball coach Guy V. Lewis was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame on Sept. 8, 2013 in Springfield, Illinois.

Hakeem was on hand along with Elvin Hayes and Clyde Drexler as legendary UH basketball coach Guy V. Lewis was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame on Sept. 8, 2013 in Springfield, Illinois.

Photo: Johnny Hanson, Houston Chronicle

Hakeem was on hand along with Elvin Hayes and Clyde Drexler as... Photo-6362301.86574 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Hakeem worked with Dwight Howard and the Rockets during training camp for the 2013-14 season.

Hakeem worked with Dwight Howard and the Rockets during training camp for the 2013-14 season.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle

Hakeem worked with Dwight Howard and the Rockets during training... Photo-6362302.86574 - Beaumont Enterprise

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The Dream put in some extra work with Dwight during the 2014 playoffs.

The Dream put in some extra work with Dwight during the 2014 playoffs.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

The Dream put in some extra work with Dwight during the 2014 playoffs. Photo-6362303.86574 - Beaumont Enterprise